Cartridge loading apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for loading a film cartridge in a camera frame having a cartridge chamber, a supply chamber, and a thumbwheel extending into the cartridge chamber. The film cartridge has a case, an internal spool, and a filmstrip attached to the spool. In the method, the film cartridge is positioned in the cartridge chamber with the spool axially adjoining the thumbwheel. A quill is placed in axial proximity to the spool of the film cartridge, opposite said thumbwheel. The quill is turned in a rewind direction for the spool. Rotating of the spool in the rewind direction is deterred. During the turning, the quill is urged into axial engagement with the spool and the spool is urged into axial engagement with the thumbwheel. Following the urging, a leading portion of the filmstrip is thrust out of the cartridge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/840,482, entitled CAMERA ASSEMBLY METHODS ANDAPPARATUS, filed Apr. 21, 1997, in the names of Watkins et al.

Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/837632, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORLOADING A CARTRIDGE IN A CAMERA FRAME ASSEMBLY, filed Apr. 21, 1997, inthe names of Marra et al.

Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/997,566 entitled APPARATUS AND METHODS OF CAMERAASSEMBLY, filed concurrently with this application in the names ofJoseph A. Watkins, Jude A. SanGregory, Duane B. Kirk, Mark D. Garlock,Paul D. Shallenger, Gerald A Veragari; and hereby incorporated herein byreference.

Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/997,567 entitled SPOOL REPOSITIONING APPARATUSFOR CAMERA ASSEMBLING AND METHODS, filed concurrently with thisapplication in the names of Joseph A. Watkins, Jude A. SanGregory; andhereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to photographic equipment and more particularlyrelates to camera assembly methods and apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Single use cameras are commonly sold preloaded with a cartridge of film.In order to reduce complexity and costs, a rewind mechanism is omittedfrom the camera. Instead, the film is prewound and during use isadvanced back into the film canister. A number of approaches have beenfollowed in loading and prewinding film cartridges for single usecameras. In some approaches, such as one taught in U.S. Pat. No.4,972,649; film is prewound into a roll outside the camera body and thenloaded. A shortcoming of these approaches is that the film roll must behandled after it is formed. This presents a risk of film damage and mayadd complexity to necessary equipment. In some other approaches, alsotaught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,649; the cartridge is loaded, the camerais light-tightly closed, and the film is then prewound. In still otherapproaches, such as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,231; the cartridge isloaded and then the rear opening of the camera body is closed and thefilm is prewound through a bottom opening, which is later sealed. Thelatter two approaches have the shortcoming that film guiding is providedprimarily by the camera body, rather than loading apparatus. This placesconstraints on the camera body in terms of required tolerances and thelike and may, in addition, slow throughput speeds. Still anotherapproach is taught by Japanese Kokai 6-295022, European PatentApplication No. 0743546-A, and Japanese Kokai 8-171180. In thisapproach, the film is wound onto a second spool, rather than being woundinto a film roll. The back of the camera is not mandatory for guidingthe film, since the second spool tends to restrain the film.

A number of separate procedures have to be performed to load a filmcartridge into an incomplete camera and prewind the filmstrip.Bi-directional and unidirectional motion can be provided to variousparts by separating procedure steps and necessary tooling. On the otherhand, it is desirable to integrate procedural steps and necessarytooling to minimized wasted motion and reduce costs.

It would thus be desirable to provide cartridge loading apparatus andmethods which allow both bidirectional filmstrip motion andunidirectional thumbwheel motion within a camera frame assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims. The invention, in its broaderaspects, provides a method and apparatus for loading a film cartridge ina camera frame having a cartridge chamber, a supply chamber, and athumbwheel extending into the cartridge chamber. The film cartridge hasa case, an internal spool, and a filmstrip attached to the spool. In themethod, the film cartridge is positioned in the cartridge chamber withthe spool axially adjoining the thumbwheel. A quill is placed in axialproximity to the spool of the film cartridge, opposite said thumbwheel.The quill is turned in a rewind direction for the spool. Rotating of thespool in the rewind direction is deterred. During the turning, the quillis urged into axial engagement with the spool and the spool is urgedinto axial engagement with the thumbwheel. Following the urging, aleading portion of the filmstrip is thrust out of the cartridge.

It is an advantageous effect of at least some of the embodiments of theinvention that provide cartridge loading apparatus and methods in whichbi-directional filmstrip motion and unidirectional thumbwheel motion areprovided for within a camera frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a semi-diagrammatical view of a station of an embodiment ofthe apparatus, showing a receiver and film bridge. A pallet rests on thereceiver. The pallet bears a camera frame assembly (shown incross-section) and a cartridge. The film space is indicated by dashedlines. The film space axis is indicated by a cross.

FIG. 2 is the same view of the camera frame assembly as shown in FIG. 1,after the winding of the film roll.

FIG. 3 is the same view of the camera frame assembly as shown in FIG. 2,after installation of the back cover closing the rear opening.

FIG. 4 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of an embodiment of theapparatus.

FIG. 5 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of another embodimentof the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of a cartridge movingstation of an embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a semi-diagrammatical side cross-sectional view of a filmtransporting station of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8-11 are a semi-diagrammatical perspective view of stages ofcartridge moving in another embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is the same view as FIG. 8 showing a modified apparatus stationincluding a film guiding member.

FIG. 13 is a semi-diagrammatical vertical cross-section of film guidingmember of FIG. 12 in place on a camera frame assembly.

FIG. 14 is a semi-diagrammatical vertical cross-section of a filmwinding station of another embodiment of the apparatus, including acamera frame assembly.

FIG. 15 is a partial enlargement of the same view as FIG. 14 of stillanother embodiment of the apparatus.

FIGS. 16-19 are semi-diagrammatical perspective views of differentstages of film winding in a winding station of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 20 is a semi-diagrammatical partial cross-sectional view of thewinding station of FIGS. 16-19. An optional component is also shown.

FIG. 21 is a semi-diagrammatical view of a tamper 300 of anotherembodiment of the apparatus. The direction of axial lodging is indicatedby an arrow.

FIG. 22 is a semidiagrammatical partial side view of a camera frameassembly which includes a prepositioned partial wall and is useful in anembodiment of the method.

FIG. 23 is a semidiagrammatical partial side view of another cameraframe assembly which includes a post-loading wall and is useful inanother embodiment of the method. The post-loading wall is installed onthe frame in a direction radial to the supply chamber axis (indicated bya cross).

FIG. 24 is a semidiagrammatical top view of another camera frameassembly which includes an opening at one end of the supply chamber andis useful in another embodiment of the method. In this embodiment, atamper 300 includes a post-loading wall that is fixed to the frameduring axial lodging.

FIG. 25 is a top, rear perspective view of a camera frame assemblyuseful with particular embodiments of the apparatus and methods. Thecartridge is shown in engagement with the thumbwheel; however, forclarity, the view is partially exploded (the thumbwheel is showndisplaced from the camera frame assembly) and the sensor lever is notshown.

FIG. 26 is a partial enlargement of the view of FIG. 25. The drive unitis in a film sensed position.

FIG. 27 is the same view as FIG. 26, but the drive unit is in a filmabsent-light lock open position.

FIG. 28 is the same view as FIG. 26, but the drive unit is in a filmabsent-light lock closed position.

FIG. 29 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the camera frame assemblyof FIG. 25. The drive unit and sensor lever are shown in the film sensedposition.

FIG. 30 is the same view as FIG. 29, but the drive unit and sensor leverare shown in the film absent-light lock closed position.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a spool repositioner of anotherembodiment of the apparatus, a camera frame assembly, and part of thepallet. For clarity, the active light lock closer of the camera frameassembly is not shown.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the holder of the spool repositioner ofFIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the cartridge positioner-thruster ofthe apparatus. The receiver of the apparatus and a camera frame assemblyare also shown. The invention is not limited to a particular cameraframe assembly and various alternative camera frame assemblies areillustrated in the figures. Features of some camera frame assemblies aredeleted for clarity.

FIG. 34 is an enlargement of the view of the thumbwheel aligner of thecartridge positioner-thruster of FIG. 33. The view is partially exploded(the thumbwheel is shown displaced from the aligner).

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the cartridge positioner-thruster ofFIG. 33 showing the cartridge being picked up from a nest by a cartridgemover. For clarity, the view is partially exploded (a jack of thealigner and the thumbwheel are displaced from the camera frame assemblyand each other).

FIG. 36 is the same view as FIG. 35, after positioning and axial lodgingof the cartridge in the supply chamber.

FIG. 37 is the same view as FIG. 36, after thrusting of the leadingportion of the filmstrip from the film cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the camera assembling apparatus of the invention, film is prewound ina camera frame assembly 10, that is, a camera or incomplete camerasubunit, in a darkroom. The apparatus 52 includes the receiver 54, andactive components 56 for cartridge loading, film transporting, and filmwinding. The invention is particularly suitable for one-time usecameras; but is also suitable for reusable cameras marketed ready foruse, that is, with a preloaded, prewound film cartridge. A filmcartridge 30 is loaded into the cartridge chamber 14 of a camera frameassembly 10; and a filmstrip 36, attached at one end to a spool 34 inthe cartridge 30, is wound into a film roll 62 in the other film chamber16. After film rolling, the filmstrip 36 extends from the cartridge 30,over the intermediate section 20 to the supply chamber 16, and the majorportion 44 of the filmstrip is a film roll 62 resting in the supplychamber 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 8, in a first station 68, a camera frameassembly 10 is placed on a receiver 54, by a suitable component 56, suchas a pick and place device. The film cartridge 30 is loaded into theframe assembly 10.

The camera frame assembly 10 includes a camera frame 12 having acartridge chamber 14 and a supply chamber or scroll chamber 16. Thecartridge and supply chambers 14,16 each have a rearwardly facing throator opening 15,17, respectively. The supply chamber 16 has one or twoside openings 18 that are continuous with the throat 17. The cameraframe 12 has an intermediate section or exposure frame 20 between thechambers 14,16. The supply chamber 16 has a concave interior wall 22that defines a substantially cylindrical, internal film space 24 havinga film space axis 26. The frame assembly 10 lacks a film spool or otheraxial film support, thus the film space 24 is empty, and remains emptyexcept for the film roll. The frame assembly 10 defines a rear openingor rear accessway (indicated by dashed line 28 in FIG. 2) over thesupply chamber and, preferably over both chambers 14,16 and theintermediate section 20.

The film cartridge includes a canister 32, a spool 34, and a filmstrip36. The filmstrip 36 has a leading portion 38 having a free end 40, atail portion or trailing portion 42, which is attached to the spool 34in the canister 32, and a main portion 44 between the leading and tailportions 38,42. The film cartridge also includes an active light lock.

The frame assembly 10b also includes a thumbwheel 94 which is mounted toan endwall 96 of the cartridge chamber 14. The thumbwheel 94 is attachedto the frame 12 and, as attached, is free to rotate relative to theframe 12. The thumbwheel 94 has a rotation member 98 which, in thecompleted camera, is turned to advance film. The thumbwheel 94 has anaxially positioned drivekey 100, which extends into the cartridgechamber space 14b. A collar or resilient flange or the like (not shown)holds the thumbwheel 94 in place on the frame 12. In the completedcamera, the thumbwheel engages and is keyed reciprocally to the spool 34of the film cartridge 30. The terms "reciprocally keyed" and the like,used herein, refer to complementary structures on the cartridge spool 34and the thumbwheel 94 that allow engagement of the thumbwheel 94 andspool 34 in only a single rotation orientation relative to each other.For example, Advanced Photo System™ cartridge has a spool having agenerally cylindrical socket with a cut-out or engagement portion 102extending axially part way along the socket. A matching thumbwheel has adrivekey 100 having a generally cylindrical shaft with an axiallyextending key complementary to the keyway of the spool. The cartridgecan have a cut-out of unique shape for use in the specific camera. Foruse with APS film, the drivekey 100 has the shape shown in FIG. 9 andcan mate with the cut-out 102 of the cartridge spool 84 in only a singleorientation.

The camera frame assembly 10 includes an active light lock closer 402that is actuated by a cam surface 404 of a thumbwheel 94. Active lightlock closers of this general type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,614,976 and 5,629,750. FIGS. 25-30 illustrate the active light lockcloser (ALL closer) and thumbwheel 94 of a particular camera frameassembly 10 usable with the invention. The ALL closer 402 has a driveunit 406 that is pivotably mounted to the frame 12. The drive unit 406has an ALL coupling 408 on one end and a first sector 410 on the other.The ALL coupling 408 extends into the cartridge chamber 14 to engage theactive light lock 412 of the cartridge 30. The ALL coupling 408 has apartial flange 414 that extends radially outward from the pivot axis 416of the drive unit 406. The first sector 410 is meshed with teeth of asecond sector 420 that is also pivotably mounted to the frame 12. Thesecond sector 420 includes a follower 422 that is biased toward aC-shaped cam surface 404 of the thumbwheel 94 by a biasing spring (notshown). A sensor lever 426 is pivotably mounted to the frame 12 in thecartridge chamber 14 adjoining the intermediate section 20. The sensorlever 426 is biased rearward, that is, toward the filmstrip 36 in thecompleted camera; and has a rearwardly extending contact pad 428 thatlimits filmstrip contact to an area outside the exposure area. A tab 430on the sensor lever 426 is positioned so as to contact the partialflange 414 and block rotation of the drive unit 406 when the presence ofthe filmstrip 36 is sensed. In this film sensed position, the follower422 remains spaced apart from the cam surface 404 of the thumbwheel 94and the active light lock 412 remains open. In the completed camera,when the filmstrip has been rewound into the cartridge, the sensor lever426 moves rearward and the drive unit 406 rotates to a film absent-lightlock open position, in which the follower 422 bears against the camsurface 404 of the thumbwheel 94. The active light lock 412 is partiallyclosed by this movement of the drive unit 406, which comprises about 10degrees of rotation. As the thumbwheel 94 is rotated further, thefollower 422 travels along the cam surface 404 and enters the gap 432 ofthe C-shaped cam surface 404. This movement of the follower 422 pivotsthe sectors 410,420 to a film absent-light lock closed position andfully closes the active light lock 412.

Referring again to FIGS. 25-30, the sensor lever 426 does not reliablyblock rotation of the drive unit 406 until the filmstrip 36 has beenprewound and the back 202 has been installed over the camera frameassembly 10. Prior to that time, the position of the active light lock412 is determined by the position of the follower 422 on the cam surface404 of the thumbwheel 94. If the follower 422 is disposed on the outerrim of the C-shaped cam surface 404, then the active light lock 412 isopen. When the follower 422 enters the gap 432 in the cam surface 404,the active light lock 412 closes. Since the sensor lever 426 is noteffective until the back 202 is in place, the active light lock 412closes even if the filmstrip 36 is present in the active light lock 412.Filmstrip damage is a likely result.

The camera frame assembly can also include other camera components whichhave been previously installed on the camera frame. For example, thecamera frame assembly 10 can include an exposure system 46, includingone or more sub-components such as a baffle, a lens system, and ashutter. The frame assembly 10 can include a camera film drive 48 havinga film engagement member (indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 2 by asemicircle 50) which adjoins the intermediate section 20 and engagesfilm perforations (not shown) for film metering or for both filmmetering and film transport. A variety of such camera film drives arewell known to those of skill in the art. In such drives, the filmengagement member can be a linearly reciprocated pawl; however, asprocket is more commonly used as the film engagement member. In manyfilm drive for type 135 (35 mm.) film, the sprocket is a continuouslytoothed wheel. The sprocket rotates with film movement; but, at alltimes, part of the sprocket extends rearward from the intermediatesection. In some film drives for APS film, the film engagement member isa skater or incompletely toothed sprocket in which an oval wheel has apair of teeth at each end of the long axis and a toothless portion ateach end of the short axis. With some film transport mechanisms, such asconventional sprocket types, it is necessary to lift film above thesprocket or other film engagement member during prewinding. With otherfilm transport mechanisms, such as some skater types, the film can movepast the skater or other film engagement member without causing it torotate or otherwise actuate. The apparatus and method, in differentembodiments, can accommodate either type of film transport mechanism.

Camera frame assemblies 10 can be manufactured as a part of a continuousprocess with the method or can be manufactured in an independentprocess. The camera frame assemblies 10, however prepared, are placed onthe receiver 54 of the apparatus 52.

The receiver 54 supports the camera frame assembly 10 in a predeterminedloading position 10a or series of positions 10a relative to thecomponents 56 of the apparatus 52. The receiver 54 has a predeterminedrelationship to the other components 56 and thus, during assembly,defines a predetermined relative location or site for each of thechambers, throats, intermediate section, film space, and rear opening.(Sites correspond to features of the frame assembly and are necessarilypredetermined for a particular frame assembly by adjusting physicalconstraints such as relative positions of the receiver and othercomponents of the apparatus. In FIG. 4, representative sites areindicated in dashed lines and by references numbers identical to thoseof similarly named frame assembly features, but with the letter "a"added.) The receiver 54 can accept the camera frame assembly 10 directlyor can be adapted to accept a pallet or nest 64 or the like. In thatcase, the camera frame assembly 10 is held in a predetermined relationto the pallet or nest 64, which in turn in held in a predeterminedloading orientation by the receiver 54. Indexing features 65 can beprovided on the pallet to permit the camera frame assembly 10 and thereceiver 54 to be readily aligned. The frame assembly 10 can be providedto the receiver 54 premounted on a pallet or the pallet and frameassembly can combined on the receiver.

The receiver 54 can have a variety of features for supporting automatedassembly operations. For example, the apparatus can include apositioner, indicated schematically in FIG. 1 by positioner 66, formoving a camera frame assembly 10 between the apparatus and one or moreother assembly stations or between stations having different componentsof the apparatus. As a matter of convenience, the following discussionis generally directed to an apparatus 52, like that shown schematicallyin FIG. 5, in which components 56 are divided among a series ofdifferent stations 68 and the receiver 54 is a movement system conveyingthe frame assembly 10 from station to station. The apparatus components56 can each include an actuation mechanism 70. The mechanisms 70 caninclude a retraction-extension system for moving the respectivecomponent between a non-use position 72, in which the component is clearof the receiver, and a use or active position 74. The actuationmechanism can also include other parts for imparting motion tocomponents, such as rotary or linear drives.

After the frame assembly 10 has been placed on the receiver 54, a filmcartridge 30 is positioned in the cartridge chamber 14 of the frameassembly 10 and the filmstrip 36 is advanced across the intermediatesection 20. The cartridge spool 34 is optionally parked and thefilmstrip 36 is then advanced to the supply chamber 16. The leadingportion 38 of the filmstrip 36 is guided around a mandrel 136, cinchedto the mandrel 136, and is wound into a film roll 62. The mandrel 136and guides 138 are removed and a back 202 is installed on the cameraframe assembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-37, the apparatus 52 includes a thumbwheelaligner 500, which is used with a quill 104. The aligner 500 and quill104 are associated with the cartridge mover 76 and are referred tocollectively herein as a cartridge positioner-thruster 502. It ispreferred that the cartridge mover 76, aligner 500, and quill 104 areall at the same station 68 of the apparatus 52, but the cartridge mover76 can be provided at an upstream station 68 if desired. The cartridgemover 76, aligner 500, and quill 104 are located and move relative tothe site 10a of the camera frame assembly 10 on the receiver 54 in thesame manner previously described for other components.

The aligner 500 includes a pair of subcomponents: a jack 504 and aone-way mechanism 506. The jack 504 has an axis 508 that is coextensivewith the cartridge chamber axis 15 when the aligner 500 is in its activeposition. The jack 504 is adapted to engage the thumbwheel 94 and holdthe thumbwheel 94 in alignment with the jack axis 508 and permitrotation of the thumbwheel 94 about the jack axis 508. In the aligner500 shown in the figures, the jack 504 has a freely rotatablecylindrical post 5 10 that is received by a closely-sized cylindricalpost-hole 512 in the thumbwheel 94.

The one-way mechanism 506 permits the thumbwheel 94 to rotate about thejack axis 508 in a thrust direction, indicated in FIG. 34 by arrow 514,but deters rotation of the thumbwheel 94 about the jack axis 508 in arewind direction, indicated by arrow 516. The rewind direction ofrotation is the direction of rotation that, if applied to the cartridge30, would rotate the cartridge spool 34 to withdraw an extendedfilmstrip 36 back into the cartridge 30. With a thrust type filmcartridge, this direction is also opposite to that of film thrusting.Detailed characteristics of the one-way mechanism are not critical. Avariety of one-way mechanisms are well known having a wide variety offeatures, for example, the one-way mechanism can be a ratchet and pawlmechanism that is unitary with the jack. It is currently preferred,however, that the one-way mechanism 506 be a ratcheting paw, as shown inFIG. 34. The ratcheting pawl 506 is discrete from the jack 504, and thatthe thumbwheel 94 has a toothed margin 518 adapted to act as a ratchetwheel for the ratcheting pawl 506. In this embodiment, the ratchetingpawl 506 and jack 504 are each joined to a rigid support 520, in fixedrelation to each other. The ratcheting pawl 506 has a lever arm 522 thatis pivotably mounted to the support 520 and is disposed to engage thethumbwheel 94. The ratcheting pawl 506 is biased toward the thumbwheel94. A stop 524 limits rotation of the lever arm 522 when the thumbwheel94 is not present. Biasing is provided by a spring 526 that engages thelever arm 522 and the stop 526. The teeth 528 of the thumbwheel 94 andan engagement portion 530 of the lever arm 522 are shaped so as topermit rotation in the thrust direction, but deter rotation in therewind direction. This embodiment of the one-way mechanism has theadvantages of simplicity and that wear can be largely limited to thethumbwheel, which can be replaced as necessary during camera recycling.

With the aligner 500 shown in FIGS. 33-37, ,the thumbwheel 94 ispreinstalled on the camera frame assembly 10 by another component (notshown) of the apparatus. The thumbwheel can, alternatively, be installedon the camera frame assembly 10 by the aligner 500. In this case, FIG.33 would illustrate the conclusion of this step, in which the thumbwheel94 has been seated in the frame 12. The cartridge 30 could be positionedin the cartridge chamber 14, before or after installation of thethumbwheel 94.

The cartridge mover 76 positions the cartridge 30 in the cartridgechamber 14. The cartridge 30 is positioned in alignment with thecartridge chamber axis 15; that is, the long dimension of the cartridgeand the axis of the cartridge spool are lined up with the long dimensionof the cartridge chamber. It is desirable that the cartridge chamberfollow the ordinary practice in camera manufacturing and be sized topreclude placement of a cartridge within the cartridge chamber innon-alignment with the cartridge chamber axis 15. The cartridge is alsopositioned adjoining the thumbwheel in close axial proximity. It ishighly desirable that the axial proximity be very close, that is, at asmall fraction of the length of the cartridge chamber away from thethumbwheel, since more distant positioning presents a risk of thecartridge tilting away from the chamber axis when the cartridge is latermoved toward the thumbwheel.

The cartridge mover 76 has a vacuum gripper 78 which allows thecartridge mover 76 to position the cartridge 30 in the cartridge chamber14 and, optionally, to continue to grip or constrain the cartridge 30during film winding. The cartridge 30 can be released after film windingis completed. This is convenient if the camera frame assembly 10 lacksfeatures to prevent oscillation or other movement of the film cartridge30 during film winding. The cartridge mover 76 can support othercomponents, such as an active light lock opener 80 and a spool rotator82. The active light lock opener 80 is pivoted to open the active lightlock of a suitable film cartridge, such as an Advanced Photo System™(APS™) cartridge, prior to placement of the cartridge in the cartridgechamber site. This allows the camera frame assembly to include a featurewhich retains the active light lock in the open position during filmuse. The spool rotator 82 engages the spool 84 of the cartridge 30 androtates the spool 84 to thrust the filmstrip 36 from the cartridge 30.

Referring now to another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a first cartridgemover 76, such as a vacuum gripper, grips an APS or similar filmcartridge 30 from a bin or other store (not shown) and places thecartridge 30 within a cartridge nest 103 on the pallet 64. While thecartridge 30 is gripped, an active light lock opener 80 (shown for adifferent embodiment in FIG. 6) engages and rotates the active lightlock 90 degrees to fully open the film exit of the cartridge 30. In theembodiment of FIG. 6, the active light lock opener 80 is illustrated assharing a common support with the vacuum gripper 76; however, it will beunderstood that this and other components 56 of the apparatus 52 couldbe mounted separately or commonly in a wide variety of different ways.In the above discussed embodiment, the apparatus components 56 are nextretracted from the frame assembly 10 and the pallet 64 is moved on thereceiver 54 to the next station 68.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, in the same station 68 or a second ofthird station 68, a the same or a second cartridge mover 76 grips thecartridge 30 and positions the cartridge 30 in the cartridge chamber 14in close axial proximity to the drivekey 100 of the thumbwheel 94. Thecartridge 30 is not moved so far into the cartridge chamber space 14b asto engage the cut-out 102 of the cartridge spool 84 and the thumbwheeldrivekey 100. The reason is that in a film cartridge like an APScartridge, the opening of the cartridge door unlocks the film spool.Thus, the engagement portion 102 and drivekey 100 may be misaligned andit is undesirable to force the parts together. The cartridge mover 76 iswithdrawn and the frame assembly 10b is moved on to the next station 68.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, in the same station or a fourth station, aquill 104 is moved, by a linear actuator 106, in an axial direction(indicated by arrow 108) relative to the spool 84 of the film cartridge30. The quill 104 has a quill drivekey 110 that is complementary inshape to a second cut-out or engagement portion 112 (indicated by dashedlines in FIG. 9) of the cartridge spool 84. The cut-outs 102,112 atopposite ends of the cartridge spool 84 may have the same shape or maydiffer. The thumbwheel aligner 500 is also moved, from a non-useposition spaced from the supply chamber site 14a to a use position inwhich the jack 504 and ratcheting pawl 506 engage the thumbwheel 98. Theratcheting pawl 506 prevents rotation of the thumbwheel 98 relative tothe frame 12 in the rewind direction.

The quill 104 is placed in close axial proximity to the spool 34 of thefilm cartridge 30 and is turned in the rewind direction. A light axialload (supplied by actuation device 106) on the quill 104, urges thequill 104 against the cartridge spool 84, and the cartridge spool 84against the drivekey 100 of the thumbwheel 94. At the same time, thequill 104 is rotated by actuation device 70 in a backward direction(indicated by arrow 116); that is, the quill 104 is rotated in therewind direction of rotation. The thumbwheel 94 does not rotate, becauserotation of the thumbwheel 94 in the rewind direction is prevented bythe one-way mechanism 506.

While the quill 104 is rotated in the rewind direction and the drivekeys100,110 are urged into mating engagement with respective engagementportions 102,112 of the spool 34, the jack 504 continuously retains thethumbwheel drivekey 100 in axial alignment with the quill 104. Thisretention of alignment decreases the average time needed to engage thedrivekeys 100,110 and spool 34 and reduces the risk of the thumbwheeldrivekey 100 and spool 34 jack-knifing and protruding out of alignmentwith the cartridge chamber axis 15.

The rotation of the quill 104 causes one, and then another, of thedrivekeys 100,110 and respective cut-outs 102,112 to be aligned withintwo revolutions of the quill 104. When the first cut-out 102 of thespool 84 and the thumbwheel drivekey 100 are aligned, the cartridge 30moves axially (generally in the direction indicated by arrow 108) underthe force applied by the quill 104, relative to common thumbwheel andcartridge axes 116,118, until the first cut-out 102 has moved intomating engagement with the thumbwheel drivekey 100 and the cartridge isseated against the thumbwheel 94 and endwall 96. Similarly, when thesecond cut-out 112 of the spool 84 and the quill drivekey 110 arealigned, the drivekey 110 moves axially into the second cut-out 112. Thedrivekey 110 of the quill 104 can be spring-loaded to moderate the forceapplied by the quill 104 and prevent possible jamming, during quillmovement prior to mating engagement of both pair of cut-outs 102,112 anddrivekeys 100,110. The spring loading can be axial only or can provideboth for resilience in an axial direction and in one or more otherdirections to accommodate possible misalignments of the quill and thecartridge and thumbwheel axes.

In a particular embodiment, the second spool cut out 112 is circular orsimilarly radially symmetrical except for a radial slot 109. In thatembodiment, the quill drivekey 110 includes a detent or key member 111that is configured to fit in the slot 109. The key member 111 is movableindependent of the body 113 of the drivekey 110 in directions (indicatedby arrow 115) substantially radial to the axis of rotation of the quilland is resiliently biased outward. The key member 111 allows the quilldrivekey to enter the cut out 112 while radially misaligned. The quilldrivekey 110 can then spin within the cut out 112 until the key member111 becomes aligned and resiliently moves into the cut out 112.

The discussion here is primarily directed to an embodiment using an APScartridge; however, this procedure is applicable to both thrust-typefilm cartridges, such as APS cartridges, and non-thrust type cartridges,such as type 135 cartridges. In the latter case care must be taken toavoid withdrawing all the leader into the cartridge during cartridgeseating.

A detector 120 can be mounted in operative relation to the cartridgechamber space 14a to sense axial motion of the cartridge 30, or thelike. The detector 120 can be integrated into a control system, whichcan stop the operation and withdraw the quill if a fault condition isdetected.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, after engagement of the thumbwheel 94 andspool 34, and spool 34 and quill 104; the direction of rotation of thequill 104 is reversed and the quill 104 is driven by the quill motor oractuation mechanism 70 in a forward direction (indicated by arrow 122),rotating the cartridge spool and thrusting a leading portion 38 of thefilmstrip 36 from the cartridge 30. The thumbwheel 94 rotates in thethrust direction with the cartridge spool 34. This can be mostconveniently accomplished at the same assembly station 68 as was usedfor seating the cartridge. Thrusting can be continued until the leadingportion 38 of the filmstrip 36 is disposed over the intermediate section20 or until the leading portion 38 reaches the supply chamber 16.

Referring now to FIG. 31-32, in a particular embodiment, the apparatus52 includes a spool repositioner 400. The spool repositioner 400 is usedto prevent active light lock closing during transport between stations.The spool repositioner 400 can be disposed in a separate station 68 oras a part of a previously described station located after the stationproviding thrusting of the leading portion 38 from the cartridge 30. Thespool repositioner 400 has a quill 104 that is moved into engagementwith the film cartridge spool 34, in the same manner as the quill 104previously described. The spool repositioner 400 also has a holder 434that has a grip head 436 that is moved toward and away from theintermediate section 20 of the camera frame assembly 10. The spoolrepositioner 400 is used after the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip36 has been advanced over the intermediate section 20 by a filmtransport in the manner previously described. The holder 434 has alinear actuator 106 that advances the grip head 436 to an activeposition. In the active position, the grip head 436 engages the leadingportion 38 by friction or by suction supplied by a vacuum line (notshown) and holds the leading portion 38 in a fixed position within andrelative to the intermediate section 20 of the camera frame assembly 10.The spool repositioner 400 has a sensor 438 that is directed towards aspool position indicator 440 at the end of cartridge 30 or toward anindicator (not shown) provided as a part of the quill 104, such as adigital shaft encoder. (Spool position indicators are well known tothose of skill in the art and are present on Advanced Photo System™ filmcartridges.) The sensor 438 detects the position of the spool 34 andthumbwheel 94 relative to the drive unit 406 and sends a signal along asignal path 442 to a controller 444. The controller 444, in response,actuates the drive of a quill 104 and rotates the spool 34 andthumbwheel 94 to provide a required net rotation of less than 360degrees. The degree of rotation is that necessary to ensure that thecartridge spool 34 is parked in the safety zone, that is, that thefollower 422 of the ALL closer 402 is positioned on the cam surface 404.It is currently preferred to park the spool 34 at the approximate middleof the C-shaped cam surface 404. It is preferred that rotation be in therewind direction only, since rotation in the thrust direction presents arisk of film bunching or other distortion. The controller 444 of thequill drive can include a load sensor to detect when the filmstrip istaut and deactivate the quill.

After spool repositioning, the camera frame assembly 10 can betransported, as desired, and the thrusting of the film can be continueduntil the free end 40 of the filmstrip 36 is impelled into the supplychamber 16. A detector 124 can be positioned to sense optically or insome other manner when the free end 40 reaches the supply chamber space16a and signal the controller (not shown) to stop thrusting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 7, in some embodiments, a film bridge 86 isnext moved, relative to the frame assembly 10, to an active positionover the intermediate section 20 of the frame assembly. This can beaccomplished in the same station 68 or the frame assembly 10 can bemoved to a new station 68 that includes a film bridge 68. The filmbridge 86 defines a film path 88 extending from the cartridge chamber 14to the supply chamber 16. (In FIGS. 1 and 7, the film path 88 isoccupied by the filmstrip 36.)

In embodiments in which the frame assembly 10 has a film engagementmember 50, such as a conventional sprocket, that continuously extendsoutward from the intermediate section 20; it is preferred that the filmpath 88 be spaced apart from the intermediate section site 20a, sincethis separates the filmstrip 36 from the camera film drive, which thusdoes not need to be disabled or the like during film roll formation.Within these constraints, the film bridge 86 can take a variety offorms. For example, the film bridge 86 can be a turtleback as shown inFIG. 7. It is preferred that the turtleback present minimal friction tothe filmstrip. The turtleback can provide one or more friction reducingfeatures (indicated by item 87 in FIG. 7); such as holes and apressurized gas connection for an air cushion or rotary bearings.

It is highly preferred that the film bridge 86 include a film transport,disposed in operative relation to the film path 88, to propel thefilmstrip along the film path to the supply chamber. Examples of filmbridges that include a film transport include a capstan drive; a vacuumshuttle, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,630; and anendless belt mechanism. The endless belt can be disposed between thefilmstrip and the intermediate section 20 of the camera frame assemblyor, as shown in FIG. 1 can overlie the filmstrip 36. In the latter case,the endless belt mechanism can have holes (not shown) and include avacuum-compressed gas unit 89 to provide a vacuum and pull the filmstripagainst the belt 90 for transport, and direct compressed gas against thefilmstrip 36 to release the filmstrip from the belt 90. The mechanismincludes a belt drive 91 and idler rollers 92 which position and tensionthe belt 90.

In a particular embodiment, the frame assembly has film retentionfingers 126, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/796,155, entitled "ONE-TIME-USE CAMERA HAVING MAIN BODY PART ANDINSERTABLE LIGHT BAFFLE WITH FILM HOLDERS TO FACILITATE CAMERAASSEMBLY", filed Feb. 6, 1997, by Douglas H. Pearson, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference. The film retention fingers 126 definea film entrance 128 leading into the supply chamber space 16a. In thisembodiment a film guiding member 130 directs the free end 40 of thefilmstrip 36 through the film entrance 128 and into the supply chamberspace 16a. The film guiding member 130 is lowered into position over theintermediate section 20 of the frame assembly 10, by a linear actuator106, prior to or during film thrusting, at the same station as is usedfor cartridge seating or at a succeeding station (as shown in FIG. 12).The film guiding member 130 has a concave bottom 132 overlying theintermediate section 20. The film guiding member 130 has pockets 134which receive the film retention fingers 126 such that the film entrance128 defined by the film guiding members 126 lies on an ellipse definedby the concave bottom 132 of film guiding member 130. The detector 124can be conveniently housed in the film guiding member 130.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 14-20, after the free end 40 of theleading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36 has been advanced to the supplychamber 16, the frame assembly 10 is moved to another station 68. Inthis station 68, a mandrel or a spool 136 attached to the apparatus 52,is introduced into the supply chamber 16 along with one or, preferably,a plurality of film guides 138. The guides 138 define a substantiallycylindrical preliminary film space 140 within the supply chamber 16,centered on the mandrel 136. The preliminary film space 140 has a radius142, (referred to hereafter a the "preliminary radius 142") that ispredetermined by the internal configuration of the film guides 138. Theleading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36 is transported into thepreliminary film space 140 and curled about the mandrel 136 and acurling axis (indicated by a cross 144 in FIG. 14). The curling axis 144is disposed within the supply chamber 16 and is, at the time of curling,coextensive with the axis of rotation of the mandrel.

The guides 138 are interposed between the interior wall 146 of thesupply chamber 16 and the mandrel 136 and both guide the leading portion38 of the filmstrip 36 around the mandrel 136 and limit deflection ofthe filmstrip 36 in directions radial to the common axis of rotation ofthe mandrel and the curling axis 144. The initial turn (not separatelyshown) of the filmstrip 36 is cinched to the mandrel 136, the guides 138are retracted from the supply chamber (in currently preferredembodiments in a direction parallel to the curling axis, and themajority of the filmstrip 36 is wrapped around the initial turn to forma film roll 62 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

The mandrel 136 is preferably a vacuum mandrel, that is, a hollowcylinder perforated on the longitudinal surface by air passages 148 andis connected to a vacuum pump or negative air pressure source (notshown). As the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36 curls about themandrel 136, the vacuum urges the filmstrip 36 into contact with themandrel 136. The mandrel 136 is rotated about the mandrel axis 150,starting either before or after the free end 40 of the filmstrip 36contacts the mandrel 136 and the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36is overlapped and cinched against the mandrel 136, after which the mainportion 44 of the filmstrip 36 is wound over the first turn of filmroll.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 14-15, the guide or guides 138 can berelatively simple. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14-15, a simple cinchdog 152 having a hook-shaped cross-section can be used. The cinch dog152 is positioned in the supply chamber 16 with the shank 154 toward thedistal side 155 and the opening of the hook 156 facing the direction ofentry of the filmstrip 36 into the supply chamber 16. After thefilmstrip is cinched, the cinch dog 152 is withdrawn, in an axialdirection, from the film chamber 16. In this embodiment, the mandrel 136can be lowered into the supply chamber 16 during film winding (in thedirection indicated by arrow 158 from an alternative curling axisindicated by circled cross 160) so as to continuously maintain tangencybetween the apex or outermost turn of the film roll and the filmentrance 128 or downstream end of the film bridge 86 so as to minimizethe force applied to the filmstrip 36 during winding. Thus, in thisembodiment, the axis of rotation of the mandrel 136 is moved away fromthe curling axis 160 during winding, and deeper into the supply chamber16.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, in preferred embodiments, an assemblage ofmultiple film guides 138 are used. The multiple guides 138 surround themandrel 136, in directions radial to the mandrel axis 150, except for anentry 162 through which the filmstrip is admitted. In these embodiments,the film guides 138 preclude the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36from deflecting in directions radial to the axis 150 of the mandrelbeyond a preliminary radius 142 defining the limits of the preliminaryfilm space 140. The leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36 is thusisolated from the interior wall 146 of the supply chamber 16 as theleading portion 38 is curled about the mandrel 136 and cinched. Themandrel axis 150 and preliminary film space axis are coextensive. Themandrel 136 can be lowered into the supply chamber 16 during filmwinding to maintain tangency between the outermost turn of the film rolland the section of the filmstrip 36 entering the film supply chamber 16.In particular embodiments, the frame 12 has film retention fingers 126and the mandrel 136 is kept in a central position within the supplychamber 16 during film winding. The latter approach has the advantage ofrequiring simpler equipment for moving the mandrel 136. In a particularembodiment, shown in FIGS. 16-20, in which the mandrel 136 is kept in afixed position, the mandrel 136, preliminary film space 140, and filmsupply chamber 16 all have a common axis 150.

In this embodiment, the assemblage of guides 138 includes separableupper and lower guides 164,166, respectively. It is preferred that thelower guide 166 is an arcuate partial sleeve or cinch sleeve having aC-shaped cross-section. The partial sleeve 166 has a concave innersurface 168 that is smooth or otherwise configured to present a lowfrictional load to the filmstrip. The inner surface 168 of the partialsleeve 166 closely adjoins the mandrel 136. In a particular embodimentthe separation is a few times the thickness of the filmstrip 36, about 1mm. The partial sleeve 166 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with themandrel 136 and extends around more than half (more than 180 degrees) ofthe interposed mandrel 136. The lower guide 166 has a distal edge 170that is at least roughly parallel to the mandrel axis 150 and ahorizontal diameter of the mandrel 136. The lower guide 166 has a medialedge 172 that is roughly parallel to the mandrel axis 150 and animaginary horizontal line tangent to the mandrel 136. (Terms"horizontal" and "vertical" and the like, are used herein in a relativesense in which the longest dimension of the frame assembly defines a"horizontal" direction. Actual orientations may vary as desired, takinginto account the effect of gravity on loose parts.)

It is preferred that the upper guide 164 is a guide shoe that is movableindependent of the partial sleeve 166. The guide shoe 164 has an arm 174that extends down and closely adjoins or contacts the distal edge 170 ofthe partial sleeve 166. The arm 174 can be continuous or can be dividedinto two discontinuous portions as shown in FIGS. 16-20. The arm 174 hasa concave, low friction inner surface 176. The arm 174 has a lower edge178 that meets with the distal edge 170 of the partial sleeve 166 so asto present a guidepath to the filmstrip 36 that is substantially free ofdiscontinuity. The lower edge 178 and distal edge 170 can meet so as toprovide a continuous curve, interrupted only by a narrow seam.Alternatively, the lower edge 178 can extend radially inward beyond thedistal edge 170 so as to define a guidepath for the filmstrip in whichthe filmstrip jumps the discontinuity between the edges 78,170. Thelatter approach has the advantage that slight misalignment errors do notpresent a risk of gouging the filmstrip.

The guide shoe 164 has a bearing member 180 medial (toward the left inFIG. 20) to the guide shoe arm 174. The bearing member 180 is positionedso as to be separated from the mandrel 136 by a nip 182 when the upperand lower guides 164,166 are in operating position within the supplychamber 16 and the filmstrip 36 is in place between the mandrel 136 andthe bearing member 180. The bearing member 180 can be compressible orresiliently mounted such that the nip 182 is at least partially afunction of bearing member deflection during use or the bearing membercan be a rigidly mounted, incompressible part. The bearing member 180can be an immobile skid or bushing which the filmstrip slides past. Thebearing member 180 can also be a rotary member such as a driven rolleror belt or the like, which rotates at the same or a different speed thanthe mandrel. There are disadvantages in driving the bearing member,however, since relative differences in the speed of the film and thebearing member present a risk of scuffing or other wear on thefilmstrip. It is thus preferred that the bearing member be an unpoweredrotary member, such as an idler roller 180 that freely rotates with thepassage of the filmstrip and presents a low frictional load to thefilmstrip. For the same reason, it is preferred that the idler roller180 rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of the mandrel 150.

The width of the bearing member 180 in a direction parallel to themandrel axis 150 is not critical, however, a relatively narrow bearingmember presents less spatial constraints for other components of theapparatus, ancillary equipment and the like. A convenient width for thebearing member 180 is less than about one-half the width of thefilmstrip. In the embodiment of FIGS. 16-20, the bearing member or idlerroller 180 has a width that is about one-quarter of the width of thefilmstrip 36.

The idler roller 180 can have a flange (not shown) that extends outwardfrom the rest of the roller radial to the roller axis. The flange canhelp maintain alignment of the leading portion of the filmstrip and themandrel by limiting both lateral movement and torqueing of the filmstripabout its longitudinal axis. The flange may be superfluous if the frontend of the supply chamber is closed.

The guide shoe 164 includes a support portion 184 that provides physicalsupport for the arm 174 and bearing member 180. For example, the supportportion in FIGS. 16-20, carries the axle of the bearing member 180. Thesupport portion 184 is preferably configured so as to avoid anypossibility of unintended contact with the filmstrip. As shown in FIG.20, in particular embodiments the support portion 184 can be joined toanother component 56, such as a film bridge or film guiding member, as asingle unit.

The assemblage of guides can include a film stripper 186. The stripper186 has a shoulder 188 (best seen in FIG. 18) that defines a lateralboundary for the film roll. The stripper 186 can have a dimension indirections radial to a stripper axis, that is smaller, the same as, orlarger than the dimensions of the supply chamber in the same directions.In a particular embodiment, the stripper 186 is a complete sleeve thatis coaxial with the mandrel 136 and is separated from the mandrel 136 byless than the thickness of the filmstrip 36 and, preferably, aboutone-half the thickness of the filmstrip. In this embodiment, thedimensions of the stripper 186 in directions radial to the stripper axis(which is coextensive with the mandrel axis 150), are less than thedimensions of the preliminary film space 140 in the same directions andthe partial sleeve 164 is coaxial with the stripper 186. This permitsthe mandrel 136, partial sleeve 164, and the stripper 186 to move alonga common axis, independent of each other and without interference; and,at the same time, keeps overall apparatus and supply chamber dimensionssmall.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-20, the guide assemblage is utilizedin the following manner. The leading portion 40 of the filmstrip 36 isadvanced into the supply chamber 16 until the free end 40 is detected bya sensor (not illustrated in these figures) which can be mounted in theguide shoe 164. The stripper 186 is then moved by a linear actuator 106toward the supply chamber until the shoulder 188 of the stripper 186contacts the edge of the filmstrip 36. The stripper 186 is then stopped.The partial sleeve 166 is then moved along the stripper 186 and into thesupply chamber 16. The medial edge 172 of the partial sleeve 166 ispreferably chamfered from a forward end 190 toward the base of thesleeve. As the partial sleeve 166 is extended into the supply chamber16, the free end 40 of the filmstrip 36 is lifted by a distancesufficient to avert the free end clear the mandrel 136, when the mandrel136 is extended into the chamber. The mandrel 136 is then extended intothe supply chamber 16. The rotation of the mandrel 136 is initiated andthe vacuum source is switched on, when the mandrel 136 has entered thesupply chamber 16 or before. The guide shoe 164 is then lowered relativeto the supply chamber site 16a until the guide shoe 164 contacts thepartial sleeve 166 and the predetermined nip 182 is defined between theidler roller 180 and the mandrel 136. As this occurs, the free end 40 ofthe filmstrip 36 is directed into the nip 182. (The free end 40 of thefilmstrip is illustrated as being partially cut back to form an angledtip. This is a typical film feature, but is not a mandatory requirementfor the method and apparatus.) The mandrel 136 continues to rotate. Theidler roller 180 pinches the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36against the mandrel 136 and the vacuum pulls the filmstrip 36 radiallytoward the mandrel axis 150. After about one and one-half revolutions,the leading portion 38 of the filmstrip 36 is cinched onto the mandrel136. A vacuum sensor (not shown) positioned in the vacuum line detectsthe drop in air flow or decrease in air pressure resulting from thecinching. The vacuum sensor signals a control, which in responsewithdraws the guide shoe 164 and partial sleeve 166. The main portion 44of the filmstrip is then pulled into the chamber 16 by the mandrel 136and wound over the leading portion producing the film roll 62. Referringnow to FIG. 2, the film roll 62 has an outermost turn 192 (indicated inFIG. 2 by a dashed line) that defines a first film roll radius 194 thatis larger than the preliminary radius 142.

Winding of the film roll continues until the main portion 44 of thefilmstrip 36 has reached the film roll 62. This is ordinarily the majorportion of the filmstrip. The trailing portion 42 of the filmstripnecessarily remains attached to the spool 84 of the film cartridge 30and extends to the film roll 62. The rotation of the mandrel 136 isstopped before an excessive strain is placed on the trailing portion 42.This may be done in a variety of ways. For example, a sensor can detectan increased load on the mandrel due to reaching the trailing portion;or a detector can count rotation of the film spool or another rotatingpart; or a detector can track the length or area of filmstrip travelingto the film roll; or film can be wound for a predetermined time. Withany of these approaches a slip clutch can be provided in the mandrel toaccommodate excessive strain.

After winding is completed, the mandrel 136 is removed from the filmsupply chamber. The vacuum is first turned off and compressed air ofother gas may be blown back through the mandrel 136 to encourage releaseof the film roll. At this time, the mandrel 136 can be rotated backwardsa revolution or so to further encourage the film roll to release. Thecombination of these effects allows the film roll to loosen and expandsuch that the outermost turn 196 defines a second film roll radius 198larger than the first film roll radius 194. In a preferred embodiment,the film roll does not expand substantially beyond the throat 17 of thesupply chamber 16. This can be accomplished in different ways. Forexample, the supply chamber can include a vacuum port (not shown)through which a vacuum can be applied to the film roll in the mannerdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,482, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. The frame 12 can alternatively have wedges 200 atthe medial margin of the throat 17, that narrow the throat to a widthless than the width of the widest portion of the supply chamber 16 andthus limit clock-springing of the film roll.

The mandrel 136 is next removed from the supply chamber by retractingthe mandrel into the stripper 186, while leaving the stripper 186 inplace against the edge of the filmstrip 36. Because the radial gapbetween the mandrel 136 and stripper 186 is less than the thickness ofthe filmstrip 36, telescoping is at least substantially prevented.

In a currently non-preferred embodiment, the mandrel is detachable fromthe apparatus in the manner of a spool. Although the spool can berelatively simple this still adds an additional part to the camera andthe complexity of a release mechanism for detaching the spool.

In an embodiment in which a film bridge 86 is used, the film bridge 86is displaced relative to the camera frame assembly 10, prior to removalof the mandrel 136; so slack in the filmstrip 36 can be taken up byrolling a final portion of the filmstrip onto the film roll orretracting that part of the filmstrip back into the cartridge 30.

The rear opening 28 of the camera frame assembly 10 is next closed andthe camera frame assembly is rendered light-tight. This can be a singlestep in which a light-tight back 202 is attached to the frame 12 or caninvolve multiple steps. For example, a back can be attached over therear opening followed by the plugging of a bottom opening to render theassembly light-tight. The resulting camera assembly can be a completedcamera or can be a camera subunit requiring additional assemblyoperations for completion. In addition to the features alreadydiscussed, including a film cartridge and film roll, the camera assemblycan also include other conventional camera features well known to thoseof skill in the art.

The film roll 62 can telescope outward during mandrel 136 removal orafter mandrel 136 removal if the camera frame assembly 10 is vibrated. Adistended portion of the film roll 62 presents a grave risk of pinchingor other damage when the camera is rendered light-tight. It is thushighly desirable, at least once before installing the back 202 orotherwise closing the camera, to lodge the film roll 62 fully within thesupply chamber axially (in a direction parallel to the film roll axis26). The stripper 186 can provide axial lodging during removal of themandrel 136, as previously discussed. The stripper 186 can also bereplaced or supplemented by one or more tampers 300. Each tamper 300 isincluded in the apparatus 52 in a separate station 68, as shown in FIG.21, or as a part of the previously described station 68 at which thefilm roll 62 was formed, or a succeeding station 62. Like the stripper186, the tamper or tampers 300 secure the film roll 62 within the supplychamber 16 during or after removal of the mandrel 136. Each tamper 300includes a linear actuator 106, such as an air cylinder, which tamps atamp head 302 against the end of the film roll 62 to drive any outwardlytelescoped portion of the film roll back into the remainder of the filmroll and axially lodge the entire film roll 62 in the supply chamber.The tamp head 302, in the tamper 300 shown in FIG. 21, is fixed to itslinear actuator 106.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the axial lodging can also be accomplished byproviding a prepositioned partial wall 304 or a post-loading wall 306 onthe bottom of the chamber 16. The partial wall 304 is provided as a partof the camera frame assembly 10 and can replace the stripper 186. Thisis less desirable than the use of the stripper 186, because the partialwall 304 is subject to frame assembly tolerances and presents a greaterrisk of inaccurate positioning and incomplete axial lodging of the filmroll 62 in the supply chamber 16. The postloading wall 306 is installedon the camera frame assembly 10 after mandrel 136 removal. Thepost-loading wall 306 can be partial, but is preferably full; that is,the post-loading wall 306, after installation, preferably occludes theentire end opening of the supply chamber 16. The post-loading wall 306can be installed in a direction radial to the film space axis 26, asshown in FIG. 23, in which case, a stripper 186 or tamper 300 is neededto initially secure the film roll 62 in the supply chamber 16. Thepost-loading wall 306 can also be installed in a direction parallel tothe axis of the film roll, as shown in FIG. 24. In this case, thepost-loading wall 306 and wall installation tool 308 together comprise atamper 300 and the use of the stripper 186 is optional.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

PARTS LIST

camera frame assembly 10

camera frame 12

cartridge chamber 14

cartridge chamber axis 15

supply chamber 16

throat or opening 15,17

side openings 18

intermediate section or exposure frame 20

concave interior wall 22

film space 24

film space axis 26

rear opening or rear accessway 28

film cartridge 30

canister 32

spool 34

filmstrip 36

leading portion 38

free end 40

tail portion or trailing portion 42

main portion 44

exposure system 46

camera film drive 48

film engagement member 50)

apparatus 52

receiver 54

active components 56

loading position 58

film roll 62

pallet or nest 64

positioner 66

stations 68

actuation mechanism 70

non-use position 72

use or active position 74.

cartridge mover 76

vacuum gripper 78

active light lock opener 80

spool rotator 82

spool 84

film bridge 86

friction reducing features 87

film path 88

vacuum-compressed gas unit 89

belt 90

belt drive 91

idler rollers 92

thumbwheel 94

endwall 96

rotation member 98

thumbwheel drivekey 100

axial cut-out or engagement portion 102

cartridge nest 103

quill 104

linear actuator 106

arrow 108

slot 109

quill drivekey 110

detent or key member 111

second cut-out or engagement portion 112

body 113

clamping member 114

arrow 115

thumbwheel and cartridge axes 116,118

detector 120

arrow 122

detector 124

film retention fingers 126

film entrance 128

film guiding member 130

bottom 132

pockets 134

mandrel or spool 136

film guides 138

preliminary film space 140

preliminary radius 142

curling axis 144

interior wall 146

air passages 148

mandrel axis 150

cinch dog 152

shank 154

distal side 155

hook 156

arrow 158

alternative curling axis 160

entry 162

upper guide or guide shoe 164

lower guide or partial sleeve 166

inner surface 168

distal edge 170

medial edge 172

arm 174

inner surface 176

lower edge 178

bearing member or idler roller 180

nip 182

support portion 184

stripper 186

shoulder 188

forward end 190

outermost turn 192

first film roll radius 194

outermost turn after release 196

second film roll radius 198

wedges 200

back 202

tampers 300

tamp head 302

partial wall 304

post-loading wall 306

wall installation tool 308

spool repositioner 400

active light lock closer 402

cam surface 404

drive unit 406

ALL coupling 408

first sector 410

active light lock 412

partial flange 414

pivot axis 416

second sector 420

follower 422

biasing spring (not shown)

sensor lever 426

contact pad 428

tab 430

gap 432

holder 434

grip head 436

sensor 438

spool position indicator 440

path 442

controller 444

thumbwheel aligner 500

cartridge positioner-thruster 502

jack 504

one-way mechanism 506

jack axis 508

post 510

post-hole 512

arrow 514

arrow 516

toothed margin 518

rigid support 520

lever arm 522

stop 524

spring 526

teeth 528

engagement portion 530

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for loading a film cartridge in a cameraframe having a cartridge chamber, a supply chamber, and a thumbwheelextending into said cartridge chamber, said film cartridge having acase, an internal spool, and a filmstrip attached to said spool,comprising the steps of:positioning the film cartridge in said cartridgechamber with said spool axially adjoining said thumbwheel; placing aquill in axial proximity to said spool of said film cartridge, oppositesaid thumbwheel; turning said quill in a rewind direction for saidspool; deterring said thumbwheel from rotating in said rewind direction;during said turning, urging said quill into axial engagement with saidspool and said spool into axial engagement with said thumbwheel;following said urging, thrusting a leading portion of said filmstrip outof said cartridge.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said deterring stepfurther comprises deterring said thumbwheel from rotating in said rewinddirection during said turning step.
 3. The method of claim 2 furthercomprising retaining said thumbwheel in axial alignment with said quillduring said urging.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprisingretaining said thumbwheel in axial alignment with said quill during saidurging.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said thrusting furthercomprises rotating said quill in a thrust direction opposite said rewinddirection, until a leading portion of said filmstrip reaches said supplychamber.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said deterring step furthercomprises continuously deterring said thumbwheel from rotating in saidrewind direction during said turning and urging steps.
 7. The method ofclaim 6 further comprising continuously retaining said thumbwheel inaxial alignment with said quill during said turning and urging steps. 8.The method of claim 1 wherein:said thumbwheel has a rotation memberdisposed external to said cartridge chamber and a drivekey extendingaxially into said cartridge chamber; said positioning step furthercomprises positioning the film cartridge in said cartridge chamber inclose axial proximity to said thumbwheel drivekey, said film cartridgeincluding a spool and a filmstrip; said spool has opposed first andsecond ends, each said end having a spool engagement portion, said spoolengagement portion of said first end being complementary in shape tosaid thumbwheel drivekey; said placing step further comprises placing aquill drivekey in close axial proximity to said second end of saidspool, said quill drivekey being complementary in shape to said spoolengagement portion of said second end; and said urging step furthercomprises urging said quill drivekey axially toward said cartridge andsaid cartridge toward said thumbwheel drivekey until said drivekeys mateengagingly with respective said engagement portions of said spool. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein said engagement portions are axialcut-outs.
 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising opening an activelight lock prior to said positioning step.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising lowering a film guiding member over said frame priorto said rotating.
 12. An cartridge loading apparatus for installing afilm cartridge in a camera frame, the film cartridge having a case, aninternal spool, and a filmstrip attached to said spool, the camera framehaving a cartridge chamber, a supply chamber, and a thumbwheel extendinginto said cartridge chamber, said apparatus comprising:an alignermovable toward said camera frame, said aligner having a jack adapted tohold said thumbwheel in rotatable alignment with an axis of saidcartridge chamber, and a one-way mechanism deterring rotation of saidthumbwheel about said axis in a rewind direction; a cartridge moveradapted to place said cartridge in said cartridge chamber wherein saidspool adjoins said thumbwheel; a rotatable quill movable against saidspool opposite said thumbwheel.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 whereinsaid one-way mechanism is a ratcheting pawl disposed to engage a toothedmargin of said thumbwheel.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein saidquill is rotatable in said rewind direction and a thrust directionopposite said rewind direction.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 whereinsaid thumbwheel is rotatable by said quill, in engagement with saidone-way mechanism, in said thrust direction.
 16. The apparatus of claim12 wherein:said thumbwheel has a rotation member disposable external tosaid cartridge chamber and a drivekey disposable extending axially intosaid cartridge chamber; said spool has opposed first and second ends,each said end having a spool engagement portion, said spool engagementportion of said first end being complementary in shape to saidthumbwheel drivekey; said quill has a drivekey complementary in shape toand movable into engagement with said spool engagement portion of saidsecond end.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a filmguiding member disposable over said frame.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12further comprising an active light lock opener disposed in proximity tosaid cartridge mover.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said jackaligns said thumbwheel with said quill.
 20. An cartridge loadingapparatus for installing a film cartridge in a camera frame, the filmcartridge having a case, an internal spool, and a filmstrip attached tosaid spool, the camera frame having a cartridge chamber, a supplychamber, and a thumbwheel, said apparatus comprising:a receiver for thecamera frame, said receiver defining sites for said chambers, and acartridge chamber axis; a aligner having a jack adapted to hold saidthumbwheel in rotatable alignment with an axis of said cartridgechamber, said aligner having a ratcheting pawl movable with said jack,said ratcheting pawl being disposed to engage said thumbwheel and deterrotation of said thumbwheel about said thumbwheel axis in a rewinddirection; a cartridge mover disposed in operative relation to saidreceiver, said cartridge mover being movable over said cartridge chambersite to place said cartridge in said cartridge chamber in alignment withsaid cartridge chamber axis; a quill movable into engagement with saidspool, said quill being driveable against said spool and in a rewinddirection of rotation to engage said spool and said thumbwheel, saidquill being driveable in a thrust direction of rotation to advance aleading portion of said filmstrip out of said cartridge.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein:said thumbwheel has a rotation memberdisposable external to said cartridge chamber and a drivekey disposableextending axially into said cartridge chamber; said spool has opposedfirst and second ends, each said end having a spool engagement portion,said spool engagement portion of said first end being complementary inshape to said thumbwheel drivekey; said quill has a drivekeycomplementary in shape to and movable into engagement with said spoolengagement portion of said second end.